Embark on a culinary journey that brings the best of the land and sea together with Crab-Stuffed Shrimp—a dish that showcases the succulence of Chesapeake Bay crab encased in plump, flavorful shrimp. This elegant and indulgent recipe reflects the richness of Maryland’s seafood bounty and is a perfect addition to any special occasion or seafood feast. Join us as we delve into the steps of creating this delectable treat that harmonizes the delicate sweetness of shrimp with the decadence of lump crab.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact
- 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Butterfly the shrimp by making a deep cut along the back, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Place the prepared shrimp on the baking sheet.
- Create the Crab Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Stuff the Shrimp: Spoon a generous amount of the crab mixture into the pocket of each shrimp, ensuring an even distribution of the stuffing.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the stuffed shrimp in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the shrimp are opaque and the stuffing is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish the Crab-Stuffed Shrimp with freshly chopped chives or parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
Crab-Stuffed Shrimp is not merely a dish; it’s a coastal extravaganza that brings together the best flavors of land and sea in a single, succulent bite. Whether presented as an appetizer at a gathering or a star on your dinner table, each shrimp showcases the richness of Chesapeake Bay crab. So, savor the delicate sweetness of the shrimp, relish the decadence of the lump crab stuffing, and let the flavors transport you to the shores of Maryland. Indulge in the symphony of surf and turf with Crab-Stuffed Shrimp—a culinary delight that elevates any occasion with coastal charm and exquisite taste.
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